Teachers' conceptualization of pupil control in elementary school physical education

Management of conduct has been considered the most important problem facing schools in America during 16 of the last 20 years (Gallup, 1988). Yet little is known about specific techniques teachers use to achieve pupil control in physical education. One purpose of this work is to describe the development of a conceptual framework for pupil control techniques. The framework was derived from 64 live observations and audiotapes of elementary school physical education lessons. A second purpose is to describe how teachers may potentially foster pupil self-control. Data were reduced through analytic induction, constant comparison, and topological analysis. The investigator placed 23 categories into three classifications as perceived by teachers: anticipatory, tutorial, and punitive. Teachers confirmed frequency of using techniques during interviews and on surveys. Intraobserver agreement tests yielded 88% for distinguishing among categories. Interobserver scores ranged from 83 to 86% agreement. Categories may serve to increase teachers' repertoire of control techniques in accordance with their ideological beliefs. For teachers in this study, facilitating self-control involves (a) selecting tutorial control techniques, (b) using indirect forms of techniques, and (c) conveying reasons for using techniques.     

Exercise and mental health: it's just not psychology!

Exercise has been suggested as an effective adjunctive treatment for a range of mental health conditions. In this study, we explored the perceptions of exercise held by course directors of doctoral training programmes in clinical psychology in England. Given the exploratory nature of the study, we used a qualitative design incorporating semi-structured interviews. Although most participants held favourable attitudes regarding exercise, this was related more to exercise being seen as a positive lifestyle activity that is worth encouraging, rather than exercise being recommended as an adjunctive treatment for mental health problems. Inductive analysis identified four themes that underpinned such a response: inconsistent positions on the evidential criteria used to evaluate the role of exercise, which masked themes regarding the perceived 'simplicity' of exercise interventions, a practical adherence to a mind-body dichotomy, and the incompatibility of exercise with traditional models of understanding and treating clinical conditions. The barriers we have highlighted will continue to hinder the consideration of exercise as a common therapeutic adjunct at present. Although further research is required to examine the relationship between exercise and mental health, consideration must also be given to how such research should be disseminated to mental health professionals.     

A coactive sign system for children who are dual-sensory impaired.

The SKI*HI Institute developed a system of coactive signing to help alleviate communication and instructional barriers for children who are dual-sensory impaired (deaf and blind). The system also can be used to help children who are severely multihandicapped learn how to communicate. The system includes optimized coactive signs that are functional, easy to feel, easy to relate to the referent, and easy to make, and it also includes techniques related to effective coactive sign use. The coactive sign system is illustrated on a series of video tapes that has been field tested and produced and is being disseminated throughout the United States and Canada.